AYR UNITED'S title push has lost momentum with back-to-back defeats in the SPFL Championship and they must now try to get back on track against one of the league's form teams as they visit Raith Rovers.
Few people expected the Honest Men to be challenging for automatic promotion but they made a stunning start to the season to fire themselves into contention.
A defeat to surprise leaders Queen's Park in early February knocked Ayr off their stride and they then needed extra-time to see off League Two minnows Elgin in the Scottish Cup, ruining one of my bets in the process.
That was followed up by a 1-0 defeat at home to Partick Thistle last weekend so Bullen needs a response when he takes his side to Kirkcaldy. But it won't be easy against a Raith Rovers side unbeaten in their last 13 matches.
The highlight of that impressive run was a 3-1 Scottish Cup win over Premiership side Motherwell while Ian Murray's side also came from 2-0 down to beat Dundee on penalties in the Trust Trophy semis.
Too many draws have stopped them from joining the title race, the latest coming at Queen's Park last weekend, but a win here would take Rovers into the play-off places and leave them just two points behind Ayr.
How the bookies view it
It's a hard one to call but Raith Rovers are slight favourites at 29/20 with Bet365 which looks good value on recent form. Ayr United are 17/9 at VBet while Betfair price the draw at 23/10.
Recent head to head
There has been little between these sides in recent seasons with the last 13 meetings producing five Ayr wins, four Raith victories and four draws. Rovers edged it 3-2 when the Honest Men came calling earlier this season but Bullen's side got their revenge with a 2-0 triumph at Somerset Park in December.
Players to watch
William Akio has made a big impact for Raith Rovers since joining on loan from Premiership side Ross County. The forward has netted in his last two games and is 9/4 at Bet365 for anytime scorer.
It's hard to look past Dipo Akinyemi for a Ayr goal as the English striker has netted 18 times already this season. The powerful frontman is 6/4 with Bet365 to add to that tally here.
Anything else catch the eye?
Five yellows were flashed when Ayr United last came to Stark's Park and it could be another busy day for the ref with both sides desperate for a victory. I've yet to see a market for total cards but McBookie have prices for individual players and Ayr stopper Sean McGinty looks decent value at 11/4 for a sixth card this term.
We saw 13 corners when Ayr beat Raith 2-0 at Somerset last time out and that suggests the 10/11 on offer at Bet365 for over 10 corners stands a chance. I also like the half-time draw at 23/20 with McBookie as there's not much between these sides.
This Scottish Championship match between Raith Rovers and Ayr United will be played on Feb 24, 2023 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Raith Rovers vs Ayr United prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
